With a weary sigh, Junior Edina pushed herself up from her bed, her cane steady in her hand. Her voice, soft yet commanding, called out, "Lian Hua."
Almost instantly, her personal maid, Lian Hua, entered the room with a bright, reassuring smile that warmed the otherwise cold morning air. "Good morning, Young Mistress," she greeted cheerfully, bowing lightly before moving to assist her mistress. Lian Hua’s practiced hands moved with care, helping Edina prepare for the day. She selected a set of garments designed not only for comfort but also to ward off the chill brought by the overnight snowfall—a clear sign of winter’s arrival.
Lian Hua chose a pristine white hafu trimmed with intricate red embroidery, the design complementing Edina's striking red hair. The outfit exuded both elegance and authority, a fitting choice for the young mistress. Over this, she draped a luxurious fur coat, ensuring her warmth against the biting cold. "There we go, Young Mistress Edina, all set," Lian Hua said with a smile, offering her hand for support.
With a soft nod of gratitude, Edina took both her cane and Lian Hua's hand, steadying herself. Together, they left her chambers and made their way toward the office, the air inside the mansion still and quiet save for the soft tapping of Edina's cane against the wooden floor.
The walk took about fifteen minutes, each step deliberate but resolute. Upon reaching the office, Lian Hua slid open the door to reveal two figures already awaiting Edina's arrival.
The first was a tall, imposing man who stood near the side of the room. His sharp, chiseled features and piercing blue eyes immediately caught attention, contrasting with his sun-kissed skin. His white attire, embroidered with intricate patterns of gold and silver thread, spoke of both wealth and high status. As Edina entered, he offered a polite bow, his lips curving into a respectful smile. "Your Highness," he greeted warmly.
Seated gracefully on a couch nearby was a woman dressed in an exquisite jade-white hanfu. The garment clung to her slender frame, adorned with bold, intricate embroidery that glinted faintly under the muted sunlight streaming through the windows. Slits along the sides of her hanfu added a modern elegance to the traditional design, revealing her long legs in a way that was both regal and striking. Her demeanor was calm yet alert, a mix of vulnerability and strength. She inclined her head slightly, her expression softening into a polite smile. "Young Mistress Edina," she greeted with a bow.
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Junior Edina returned their greetings with a warm smile, leaning slightly on her cane as she moved toward the main seat behind her office table. Once seated, she adjusted herself, straightening her posture despite her physical limitations. "Good morning, everyone," she said, her voice carrying a quiet authority. After a brief pause, she continued, "Let us begin our first-ever strategy meeting."
Chuang Chi, the woman on the couch, was the first to break the momentary silence. Her tone, though polite, carried an edge of frustration. "A good morning? Young Mistress, how can it be a good morning when we’re entering the race for sect leadership as the least popular faction?" Her gaze met Edina’s, searching for answers.
Edina’s expression remained calm, a faint smile playing on her lips. "True, we may not be the most popular faction right now," she acknowledged, "but that doesn’t mean we don’t have a chance." Despite her outward composure, she could feel her initial shyness and nervousness fading with each passing day. Following Senior Edina's carefully laid plans had begun to bolster her confidence.
Chuang Chi, however, remained unconvinced. Her sigh of resignation was almost audible. Though she had agreed to act as the figurehead for Edina’s faction, she now found herself questioning the wisdom of her decision. Yet, she knew there was no turning back.
It was Richard who broke the tension, his curiosity piqued. "Your Highness," he began, tilting his head slightly, "why did you choose to name our faction the Red Faction? I thought the standard uniform for Jinwei Mansion was white."
Edina chuckled softly, her red hair catching the light as she answered, "Isn’t it obvious? Red is such an odd color for the sect—it stands out, just like us. Besides," she added with a playful smile, "it matches my hair."
Chuang Chi let out a quiet sigh, shaking her head at Edina’s youthful exuberance. At only thirteen years old, Edina’s moments of lightheartedness were a reminder of her age. Still, Chuang Chi’s tone grew serious as she pressed on.
"So," Chuang Chi began, her voice firm, "how do you propose we increase our influence, Young Mistress Edina?" She paused, then continued, "It’s true that Jinwei Mansion has the largest budget and the most disposable wealth compared to the other factions. But money alone isn’t enough to gain favor with the affiliated sects."
Her sharp eyes focused on Edina as she elaborated. "The only confirmed support we have is from the Leon Empire—a foreign ally. While their backing is valuable, it carries little sway among the affiliated sects’ leaders. And then there’s your personal standing to consider." She hesitated but pressed on. "You have foreign blood, you’re unable to practice martial arts due to your Insulation Body constitution, and you’re crippled in one leg. These factors make you an unlikely candidate to rally support from the traditionalist sect leaders."
"Miss Chuang Chi," Richard interrupted, his tone urging caution, but she waved him off and continued.
"Let’s not forget your Aunt Li Mei," Chuang Chi said bluntly. "She’s held a strong influence over the affiliated sects long before the sect leader announced his intention to step down. Her grudge against you only complicates matters further. Even with better opportunities and ideals, the leaders of these sects won’t easily let go of their prejudices to support us."
The room fell silent for a moment, her words hanging heavily in the air. Junior Edina’s expression didn’t falter, but the weight of the challenges before her was clear.